Easter is one of the most important festivals of Christians. The holiday commemorates Jesus’ rebirth after his crucifixion. On this day you will find the indispensable symbols of Easter everywhere. So, what is the origin and meaning of these symbols?
3 Symbols of Easter
1. Colorful Eggs
Eggs have been a symbol of Easter for thousands of years. The ancients believed that this Earth was originally hatched from a giant egg. Besides, they consider eggs as a symbol of fertility and rebirth from the beginning of civilization.
The healers of the Appalachian Mountains wanted to predict the child’s future fertility. So, they used to put a ripe egg on the pregnant mother’s belly.
During Easter, people often decorate their own eggs to give each other. The purpose is to wish relatives and friends the best in life. In fact, the custom of giving eggs was present in many great civilizations. For example, the ancient Egyptians and Sumerians had the custom of decorating eggs as gifts from at least 5,000 years ago.
The role of eggs in culture is increasingly important. Therefore, eggs also gradually become an indispensable symbol of Easter.
If you want to make your own gorgeous eggs, read the instructions here.
2. Cute Rabbits
Easter celebrates the rebirth of Jesus. Therefore, most of its symbols are related to birth.
Rabbits have a dizzying ability to reproduce. It’s no surprise that rabbits are a symbol of fertility in so many cultures. In addition, this animal also represents strong vitality.
However, the most important thing that makes the rabbit the main symbol of Easter is completely different. In fact, the image of the rabbit is associated with a legend about Ostara (also known as Eastre). She is the goddess of spring and Easter is named after her.
3. Traditional Dish
Traditional ham has never been absent from the tables of Christians around the world at Easter. For them, pork is considered God’s food.
The ancient Westerners believed that the time of the Blood Moon (the first full moon of autumn) was great time to harvest crops. Moreover, it was also the best time to salt pork. So, they would have enough food for the whole cold winter.
When spring came, they used all the leftover food to celebrate Easter. And of course, bacon is used to make ham. Therefore, ham becomes a traditional food of Easter.
Conclusion
This is an interesting holiday. However, Easter has no fixed date. It usually takes place on the first Sunday after the full moon or after the Christian vernal equinox. In other words, it falls on any Sunday around the end of March or the beginning of April. Therefore, Easter is also considered a spring festival.
Besides, the holiday also has special meaning. If you want to know more, you can read our “What Is Easter Day Meaning?” post.